How to Grow Nectaroscordum
Nectaroscordum siculum
Nectaroscordum siculum is a tall, architectural ornamental bulb producing pendulous bell-shaped flowers in cream, green and pink-purple in late spring to early summer. Plant bulbs 15cm deep in autumn in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Virtually maintenance-free, drought tolerant, and deer resistant once established. The striking upturned seedheads persist well into summer and are excellent for dried arrangements. Self-seeds freely and naturalises beautifully in gravel gardens and naturalistic plantings.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser or bonemeal at planting time in autumn. A light feed as shoots emerge in spring is beneficial but not essential. Nectaroscordum is a very light feeder.
Watch For
- Virtually pest and disease free
- Occasional slugs on young emerging shoots
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Thrives in full sun but tolerates dappled shade. South or west-facing positions are ideal. Stems may lean toward light in heavy shade.
Watering
Drought tolerant; minimal watering needed
Water only during prolonged dry spells in the active growing season. Prefers dry conditions during summer dormancy. Avoid waterlogged soils at all times.
Fertilizing
Minimal feeding; bonemeal at planting
Apply bonemeal or a balanced granular feed at planting time. A light top-dressing as shoots emerge in spring is optional. Over-feeding is unnecessary.
Pruning
Cut back only after foliage dies naturally
Leave ornamental seedheads standing through summer. Cut stems to the base once foliage has yellowed completely. Never remove green leaves as they feed the bulb.
Spacing
10 cm apart, 15 cm deep
Plant bulbs 10 cm apart and 15 cm deep in autumn. For naturalised drifts, space irregularly in groups of 7-10. Clumps can remain undisturbed for many years.
Support
No support needed
Despite reaching 120 cm tall, the wiry stems are self-supporting. Only in very exposed or windy sites might stems lean, which adds to the naturalistic effect.
Growing Tips
Plant in Drifts for Impact
For the best naturalistic effect, plant at least 7-10 bulbs in loose groups. They look stunning rising through lower perennials and ornamental grasses in the Piet Oudolf or Beth Chatto style.
Leave Seedheads Standing
The upturned seed pods are as ornamental as the flowers themselves. Leave them in place through summer for architectural interest and cut for dried arrangements.
Hide Dying Foliage with Companions
Foliage begins to yellow at flowering time. Plant among hardy geraniums, grasses, or late-emerging perennials that will conceal the ageing leaves while the tall flower stems remain above.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 10 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
